General overview of grades
This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.
10th Gup – White Belt
Basic stance, military Nakbop breakfalls, front kicks, and special forces strikes.
Combat system created for South Korean Special Warfare Command.
9th Gup – White-Yellow Belt
Punch combinations, snap kicks, and military guard fundamentals.
Developing tactical speed and balance in dynamic motion.
8th Gup – Yellow Belt
Yop Chagi side kicks, wrist locks, and close-quarters grab releases.
Integrating Hapkido joint locks into striking arsenal.
7th Gup – Green Belt
Hapkido joint manipulation in close quarters, takedowns, and rear grab releases.
Rapid immobilization of the opponent regardless of physical size.
6th Gup – Green-Blue Belt
Kick-takedown-lock fluid combinations and ground defense.
Fluid linking across all 3 combat ranges.
5th Gup – Blue Belt
Knife and bayonet defense, close-quarters firearm disarming.
Tactical preparation for close-quarters military operations.
4th Gup – Blue-Brown Belt
Tactical disarming of armed opponent in confined spaces.
Combat readiness and risk elimination in real crises.
3rd Gup – Red Belt
Multiple attacker combat, flying aerial kicks, and choke holds.
Pre-master rank of military conditioning and physical resilience.
2nd Gup – Red-Black Belt
Advanced chokes, ground pins in full gear, and controlled sparring.
Testing physical and mental limits before black belt exam.
1st Gup – Cho Dan Bo
Comprehensive review of all TGMS military modules & Chodan exam prep.
Cho Dan Bo = Black belt candidate prepared for master exam.
1st Dan – Chodan (Black Belt)
Full master rank. Official military/police instructor of Teukgong Moosool.
Chodan = Black belt confirming tactical combat expert status.
2nd Dan – I-Dan
Advanced firearm disarming, crisis combat tactics, and team instruction.
Developing tactical superiority in real-world intervention operations.
3rd Dan – Sam-Dan
Directing special training programs for military and police forces.
Senior instructor certified in special forces training methodology.
4th Dan – Sabomnim (Master)
Senior master rank. Directing training programs for military & state security.
Sabomnim = Chief authority and head methodologist of International TGMS Federation.
5th Dan – Kwanjangnim (Grandmaster)
Highest achievable rank. Direct founding guarantor of TGMS system in Seoul.
Kwanjangnim = Living legend and innovator of tactical training in Korea.